2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K56.51Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K55-K64›K56

ICD-10-CM K56.51
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

K56.51 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 388 through 390. Coders also document this condition as partial obstruction of intestine. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Intestinal obstruction and ileus.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K56.51
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
Short Description
Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
K56.5
Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK55-K64Other diseases of intestines
CategoryK56Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
This CodeK56.51Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Partial obstruction of intestine
  • Partial obstruction of intestine due to peritoneal adhesions

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Intestinal adhesions with incomplete obstruction

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • with intestinal obstruction
        • incomplete
    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • with intestinal obstruction
        • partial
    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • intestine
        • with obstruction
          • incomplete
    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • intestine
        • with obstruction
          • partial
    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • peritoneum, peritoneal (postinfective)
        • with obstruction (intestinal)
          • incomplete
    • Adhesions, adhesive(postinfective)
      • peritoneum, peritoneal (postinfective)
        • with obstruction (intestinal)
          • partial
    • Band(s)
      • obstructive
        • intestine
          • incomplete
    • Band(s)
      • obstructive
        • intestine
          • partial
    • Band(s)
      • obstructive
        • peritoneum
          • incomplete
    • Band(s)
      • obstructive
        • peritoneum
          • partial
    • Obstruction, obstructed, obstructive
      • intestine
        • with
          • adhesions (intestinal) (peritoneal)
            • incomplete
    • Obstruction, obstructed, obstructive
      • intestine
        • with
          • adhesions (intestinal) (peritoneal)
            • partial

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR DIG012
Intestinal obstruction and ileus
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Convert K56.51 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
560.81 Intestinal adhes w obstr
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replacement K56.51 replaces the following previously assigned code(s):

  • K56.5 - Intestinal adhesions w obst (postprocedural) (postinfection)
  • K56.5 - Intestinal adhesions with obstruction (postinfection)
FY 2018AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2017.
FY 2019–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About K56.51Overview

Is K56.51 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does K56.51 group to?

When intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 388, 389, 390, with relative weights from 0.5440 to 1.4768 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of K56.51?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction converts to ICD-9-CM 560.81 (intestinal adhes w obstr). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.